Farm News – Ad Astra Radio | Everything Local

What To Do with Those Falling Leaves and Pumpkin Seeds?

Thursday, October 29

After clearing lawn, use clippings for compost, says K-State horticulture expert MANHATTAN, Kan. — Beautiful fall leaves have begun to cover lawns and will continue to fall throughout November. Kansas State University horticulture expert Matt McKernan said it’s important to remove leaves from home lawns. “Although... Read More.

Soil and Soul: A Gathering for Farmers, Ranchers and the Ag Community to be Held Saturday, November 14

Wednesday, October 28

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Soil & Soul invites local farmers and ag professionals to a Gathering for Farmers, Ranchers and the Ag Community on Saturday, Nov. 14 at Hilton Garden Inn, 1715 N. Waldron St, Hutchinson. Coffee and Donuts start at 8:30 a.m., followed by the... Read More.

Fall Pasture Evaluations Can Help Producers Prepare for the Next Grazing Season

Wednesday, October 28

K-State specialists encourage producers to evaluate residual forage, grazing patterns and invasive plants before winter MANHATTAN, Kan. – As the growing season comes to an end, Kansas livestock producers have an opportunity to evaluate their pastures and make management decisions that could improve forage production... Read More.

USDA to Invest $57 Million to Boost American Meat Processing Capacity and Support U.S. Ranchers

Tuesday, October 27

(Washington, D.C., October 26, 2026) — Today, Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins announced that ranchers in 40 states are expected to receive $57 million to expand their capacity and create new and better markets through the Read More.

KDA Launches Search for Chief Engineer

Tuesday, October 27

MANHATTAN, Kansas — The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced today that it has officially opened its search for qualified applicants to fill the position of Chief Engineer. The position will be open upon the retirement of Chief Engineer Earl Lewis on November 20. The Chief... Read More.

USDA Boosts Kansas Agricultural Economy Through $ 808 Million in Safety Net and Conservation Program Payments

Tuesday, October 27

Record farm safety net payments plus conservation assistance support farmers, ranchers and rural communities (Manhattan, KS October 26, 2026) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is delivering approximately $808 Million in farm safety net and conservation program payments to Kansas... Read More.

Halloween Pet Safety: K-State veterinarian Susan Nelson Offers Advice for a Safe, Stress-Free Halloween for Pets

Monday, October 26

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Halloween is full of costumes, candy and spooky surprises, but some traditions can pose unexpected risks to pets. Susan Nelson, clinical professor and veterinarian in the Hill's Pet Health and Nutrition Center at K-State's Read More.

K-State Researchers Develop Technology to Improve Crop Sprayer Accuracy

Sunday, October 25

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Engineers at Kansas State University have developed new technology that could help farmers reduce chemical waste and improve the accuracy of crop spraying operations. The research team created a camera-based system capable of measuring the movement of agricultural sprayer booms with an... Read More.

Change in Seasons May Affect Gardener’s Mental Health

Thursday, October 22

MANHATTAN, Kan. – For most people, putting summer’s hot temperatures in the rearview mirror is a welcome transition. But as temperatures cool, it also signals the end of the traditional outdoor gardening season. It can lead to a condition known as seasonal affective disorder, or... Read More.

Kansas Sorghum Mobilizes 29 Companies, Nine Countries, Three Export Exchange Teams Over Seven Days

Wednesday, October 21

MANHATTAN, Kan. (Oct. 21, 2026) – The Kansas Grain Sorghum Commission (KGSC), with support from Kansas Sorghum Producers (KSP), recently completed statewide tours of the 2026 sorghum crop in Kansas for dozens of potential buyers from Colombia, Guatemala, Panama, Ecuador, Peru, Sri Lanka, Mongolia,... Read More.

KDA Reminds Poultry Owners of HPAI Risk

Wednesday, October 21

MANHATTAN, Kan. — Fall has brought a resurgence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) nationwide, including Kansas and other states along the Central and Mississippi flyways. This resurgence aligns with the peak migration of wild waterfowl, which continues to be the primary source of... Read More.

Kansas Chief Engineer Announces Retirement

Wednesday, October 21

MANHATTAN, Kan. — The Kansas Department of Agriculture announced today that Chief Engineer Earl Lewis will be retiring from his position at the Division of Water Resources effective November 20, 2026. Lewis has served as Chief Engineer for six years, during which he has... Read More.